The Breeders have returned after six years, and their new album is a rather modest affair that ultimately comes up a little short. Some of the disappointment comes from hoping for more after such a long wait, but most of it comes from the fact that many of the songs are way too casual.

True, part of the Breeders' charm has always been in their brand of off-hand indie rock, but far too often "Mountain Battles" sounds like a collection of sketches that were never finished. "Bang On" and "Night of Joy" aren't much more than simple rhythms to accompany Kim Deal's breezy vocals. Songs like "Spark," "Istanbul" and the title track never really come together, and sound rather inconsequential.

There is enough on "Mountain Battles," however, to recommend it to diehard fans. Most of the good tracks have been pushed to the back of the CD, including the lovely latin-flavored "Regalme Esta Noche," which has Deal's best vocal performance, and "Here No More," a quiet acoustic piece of traditional-sounding folk. "It's the Love" is the type of tight, bright pop gem the Breeders are best known for.